Our Metrics
Coffee is complex, but clarity matters. To capture what makes a café truly stand out, we evaluate seven key categories – from bean quality to barista craft to the atmosphere itself. Because taste is at the heart of every cup, our flavor score counts double in the final rating.
The result: a global standard that turns every sip into a score.
Each café is evaluated across seven categories, with coffee taste counting double. Every category is scored from 1 to 10 beans, for a maximum of 80 beans in total. The final score is calculated as an average, rounded to one decimal – turning every sip into a clear, comparable number.
To ensure global comparability, every final score is mapped to a simple scale that shows where a café stands.
9.0 – 10.0
World-class, a true coffee destination
8.0 – 8.9
Excellent, highly recommended
7.0 – 7.9
Solid, above average
6.0 – 6.9
Average, decent but unremarkable
Espresso / Coffee Taste
(double weight)
We focus on balance – sweetness, acidity, and bitterness in harmony. Clarity of flavor, texture, and aftertaste determine whether a coffee is simply good or truly exceptional.
Bean Quality & Selection
Great coffee starts with great beans. We consider origin, roast profile, freshness, and transparency – from single origins to direct trade stories – to understand the foundation of every cup.
Milk Integration
In milk-based drinks, the espresso must shine through. We look at texture, temperature, and microfoam quality, ensuring milk complements rather than overpowers the coffee.
Barista Craft & Machine
Brewing is both art and science. We assess the skill and consistency of the barista, as well as the quality of the equipment, since both human and machine shape the final result.
Service & Hospitality
Great service goes beyond friendliness. Passionate, knowledgeable staff who can explain beans, methods, and flavor notes turn a visit into a learning experience.
Ambience & Atmosphere
A café is more than its coffee. Design, lighting, acoustics, and comfort create the vibe that makes a place memorable for nerds and casual visitors alike.
Value for Money
Price only makes sense in context. We weigh cost against quality on a global scale – whether it’s a €1.20 espresso in Naples or a specialty shot in Zurich.